Well reamer



F. ELLlNGsN Sept.x21, l937.

WELL BEAMER Fileduay 6, 1936 .2 sheets-sheet 1 sept. 21, 1937.4 F, ELUNGSN 2,093,603

w-ELL BEAMER Filed May e. 19556 2 sheets-sheet 2 ZE 6. i x 24 f/ l Hb* Hilary Patented sept. ,21, 193': i geggygeg" UNITED srnrssenrear orriee N WELL REAMER Frank Ellingsen, Brea, Calif., assignor to Chiksan Oil Tool Company, Ltd., Fullerton, Calif., a corporation of California Application May 6, 1936, Serial No. 78,163

14 Claims. v (Cl. Z55- 73) This invention relates to a Well drilling tool tion will be fully understood from the following and relates more particularly to a well reamer. detailed description of typical preferred forms A general object of this invention is' to provide and applications of the invention,` throughout 'a simple, practical and particularly elective well which description reference is made to the acreamer. companying drawings, in which: 5

Well reamers employed in the rotary method Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of the of well drilling usually embody cutters rotatable presentv invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragabout substantially vertical axes and provided mentary vertical'detailed sectional view of the with teeth for engaging the formation at the side reamer being a view-taken substantially as indi- 1`0 wall of the well bore. It is the common practice cated by line 2 2 on Fig. 1. Figs.A 3, 4, and 5 10 to make the teeth of reamer cutters axial or in are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views axial planes. It has been found that such axial taken substantially as indicated by lines 3 3, teeth track or follow one another in their en- 1 -1L and 5 5, respectively, on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 gagement with the earth formation making veris a fragmentary side elevation of a modified tical grooves in the wall of the well, and, thereform of the invention and Fig. 7 is a fragmentary 15 fore, are not eiiicient in cutting away the iormaside elevation of an alternative form off cutter. tion or in smoothing the wall of the well. The well reamer of the present invention illus- Another object of thisinvention is to provide a trated` in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawings, reamer having cutters whose teeth do not track includes, generally, a shank or body I0, shafts in their engagement with the wall of the Well or 0r pins ll removably Carried by the body l0 and 20 form` grooves in the wall Aof the well. e cutters l2 rotatable on the pins Il.

Another object of this invention isv to provide a The shank or body I0 is adapted to be conwell reamer embodying cutters that are very nected or interposed in a drilling string` for oprapid and ecient in their cutting action and in eration in a well. The body Il] is an4 elongate providing the well with a smooth even side wall. member whose upper and lower end portions may 25v Another object of this invention is to provide be cylindrical. Means are provided at the `oppocutters for a well `reamer that are effective in site ends of the body` l0 for facilitating its convtheir reaming engagement with the wallof the nection in a drilling String. In the Darteular' well having cutting parts or teeth formed and recase illustrated in the drawings a screw threaded 3o lated to properlyream the well without tracking pin i3 is provided on one end 0f hebedy `ri-161.30

or forming grooves. a tapered screw threaded socket M is provided Another object of this `invention is to provide in the other end of the body for Cooperating With cutters for a well reamer provided with cutting spaced Connecting parts of the String. Thernain parts which are zigzag or made `up of portions` 0r intermediate POrOn l5 0f the bOdY l0 iS` which are alternatelyspiralled ,or pitched in `op- Shaped to Carry the pnS Il and the Cutters l2. 35"

posite directions wherebywtheyv are particularly Inthe typical 'form of theinvention illustrated eicient as they cannot groove ortrack in their the body portion l5 is substantially triangular action on the formation during rotation and in hOrZOntal CIOSS SeCtOrl'O YCarry three DnS downward` feeding of the reamer. Il and threereamer cutters I2.

i 40 Another object of this invention is to provide The upper and 10Wer endSU 0fhe triangular 140 reamer cutters `of the character mentioned that portion l5 are preferably bevell'ed` 0r nelinedare very simple and inexpensive of manufacture, Vertical or longitudinal recessesl'i are'provided Another object of this invention is vto provide in the apex parts of the body portion l5 to rea well reamer provided` with circumferentially ceive the cutters l2. The recesses l1 have suitspaced rotatablel cutters, having series of teeth ably concaved inner Walls i8. The upper and 45 with portions alternately pitched or spiralled in lower Walls `|9 0f the IeCeSSeS" H may be flat opposite directions, the teethof the several cutand horizontal. Axial or verticalopenin'gs` 2li eX- ters vbeingrelated so that their spiralled portions tend through the body Portion'i 5 from the lower. in common or corresponding horizontal planes are ends of the recesses l 'l kto its lowerl end i6. Verpitched in diirerent directions to `he particularly tical openings 2l are provided in the body portion 50 eliicient in their cutting action. v i l5 and extend from the upper ends of therecesses A further object of this invention is to provide il to the upper end of the portion l 6.- Theopen an improved well reamer of the character menings 20 and 2l communicating with a recess Il tioned thatis simple and sturdyin construction. are longitudinally alignedand are polygonal 5 The various objects and features of my inven- @ross section. The openings 2l are 4preferably larger in diameter than the openings 20. The openings 20 and 2| may be provided by milling or otherwise forming flat sided grooves in the body portion I5 from its outer surfaces and then closing the outer sides of the grooves thus formed with Welded on plates or inserts 22. The outer sides of the inserts 22 are preferably flush with the surfaces of the body portion I5. The shank or body Ill of the reamer is provided with a central longitudinal fluid passage 23 extending through it from one end to the other.

The pins II are removably carried by the body I0 to support the cutters I2 for rotation in the body recesses Il. The pins II are simple elongate members whose opposite end portions are supported in the openings 20 and 2|. Each pin II has a polygonal end portion 24 fitting an opening 20, a cylindrical portion 25 extending through a recess I'I and a polygonal end portion 26 fitting an opening 2 I. An axially facing shoulder 21 occurs between the portions 24 and 25 of each pin IIx-to bear against the lower wall I9 of a groove Il. The cooperation of the polygonal or at sided pin portions 24 and 26 with the walls of the polygonal openings 2B and 2| effectively holds the pins against rotation. In assembling the reamer, the pins II are introduced through the openings 2| and are passed through the recesses I`| to have their polygonal portions 24 enter the openings 20.

Simple dependable means are provided for removably locking or retaining the pins II in position on the body III. Transverse or horizontal openings 28 are provided in the body portion I5 to intersect the openings 2|. The polygonal portions 26 of the pins II have transverse openings 29 registering with the openings 28. Bolts 30 are passed through the openings 28 and 29 to hold the pins II against longitudinal movement and dependably attach them to the body I0. Nuts 3l are threaded on the bolts 30 and the heads of the boltsand the nuts 3| are countersunk in suitable counter bores at the opposite ends of the openings 28.

The cutters I2 are important features of the present invention. The cutters I2 are elongate members and are cylindrical in their general configuration. The reamer cutters I2 are rotatable on the pins I having central longitudinal openings 32 rotatably receiving the cylindrical portions 25 of the pins II. The opposite ends of the cutters II are preferably flat and. thrust washers 33 are provided on the pins II between the ends of the cutters and the end walls I9 of the recesses Il. The cutters I2 rotatably supported on the pins II, as just described, are adapted to rotate about substantially vertical axes and project outwardly from the recesses I'l to act on the side wall ofthe well bore as the reamer is rotated and fed downwardly in the usual manner. In the preferred construction the opposite end portions of the cutters II are bevelled or tapered as illustrated throughout the drawings.

The cutters I2 are provided with peripheral teeth or cutting parts 34 which are formed and disposed to be particularly eflcient in their cutting action. 'I'he cutting parts 34 extend axially or longitudinally of the cutters I2 and in the small size and medium size cutters may be continuous, extending throughout the length of the cutters. The teeth or cutting parts 34 are relatively sharp being substantially V-shaped in horizontal cross section to have sharp outer cutting edges 35. The cutting parts 34 are separated by grooves 36 which may have substantially flat bottoms. 'Ihe opposite end portions 31 of the cutting parts 34 occurring on the tapered end portions of the cutters may be straight and in vertical planes.

The shape or longitudinal disposition of the major portions of the cutting parts 34 is important as it insures the rapid eflcient cutting action of the cutters. In accordance with the invention the teeth or cutting parts 34 are zigzag in shape having alternate portions spiralled or pitched in opposite directions. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the cutting parts 34 may have any desired or suitable number of oppositely inclined or spiralled portions. In the form of cutter I2 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the cutting parts 34 each have three spiralled or inclined portions; namely, two portions A spiralled or inclined in the same direction and a middle or intermediate portion B inclined in the opposite direction. The corresponding inclined portions A and B of the several cutting parts 34 of a cutter are preferably substantially parallel. The endmost inclined portions A of the cutting parts 34 are illustrated as inclined or spiralled downwardly and rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the cutters I2 about their individual axes while the intermediate inclined portions B are inclined downwardly and forwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the cutters about their individual axes, it being understood that this relationship of the inclined or spiralled portions A and B of the cutting parts may be reversed, if desired. The inclined or spiralled portions A and B of the cutting parts 34 may be substantially equal in length, it being apparent that the length of the inclined portions may be varied if desired.

In the manufacture of the cutters I2 it has been found practical to translate a milling cutter longitudinally of a cutter I2 while alternately oscillating or partially turning the cutter I2 in opposite directions. Thus the milling cutter operates to form the spiralled zigzag grooves 3G leaving the cutting parts 34, it being understood that the movements of the cutter I2 and the milling cutter are related to provide cutting parts 34 of the desired configuration. When forming teeth or cutting parts on large cutters in this manner the cutting parts are rather broad or blunt at the points Where their oppositely inclined portions join. If such broad or blunt parts are present spaced annular grooves 38 may be cut in the periphery of the cutter to provide one or more spaced relatively sharp teeth 39 at or adjacent the points of joinder of the oppositely inclined portions of the cutting parts. Fig. '7 of the drawings illustrates such annular grooves 38 in a cutter I2 providing or leaving spaced teeth 39. The cutter. illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings may be in all other respects similar to the cutters I2 described above, or the cutter illustrated in Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates a form of the invention involving cutters I2a having zigzag teeth or cutting parts 40 having an even number of inclined or spiralled portions. The cutting parts 4I) may be of the same transverse configuration as the cutting parts 34 and may be formed in the same manner as the cutting parts 34. In the particular case illustrated the teeth or cutting parts 4D of each cutter I2EL have four inclined portions with the alternate inclined portions spiralled or pitched in oppositev directions. The end portions 4I of each cutting part 4D on he straight and' in vertical planes. part of each' tooth'or cuttingl partABhas-ifour alternately inclined portions C, ID, Egfand F;

Where there is an even number off'alternate spiralled Y portions on the cutting parts dll it will be noted that theendmostinclined portions YC yand F of a cutter l2@ areinclined ifnfopposite directions.` Where this relationship exists'it` may be preferred to 'relate the cutters |23 so that one cutter I2a is positioned with the inclined or spialled portions C` adjacent its upper end and an adjacent cutter l2a has its spiralled tooth portions F adjacent its upper end. In other `words it may be desired to relate the cutters l26L of the reamer so that their spiralled cutting teeth portions in the same orcorresponding horizontal Zones are inclined or pitched in opposite directions. It is to be noted that the several cutters I2a of the reamer illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings may be identical in construction and the relationship just described may be brought about by arranging the cutters in inverted or reversed position. Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates the relationship just described, it being noted that the horizontally aligned spiralled portionsof the cutting parts 40 of the two cutters I2a are pitched in opposite directions. The cutters l2ab formed and related as illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings are particularly eoient as there is no possibility of their cutting parts 4H tracking or following one another in their action on the earth formation.

In the operation of the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawings the body lll is connected in a drilling string to be operated in a well in the usual manner. As the drilling string is rotated the cutters l2 have active or cutting engagement with the side wall of thewell bore. The teeth or cutting parts 34 cut into the earth formation to ream and smooth the wall o-f the well. Due to the pitch or inclination of the portions A` and B of the teeth 30, the teeth do not track in their action on the formation as the reamer is rotated and fed downwardly. The cutting parts 34 having alternately inclined spiralled portions operate to shear or cut away the formation as they rotate about their individual axes while the reamer rotates and moves downwardly. The cutters I 2` having cutting parts 34 with portions alternately inclined in opposite directions are particularly rapid and eflicient in their reaming action and insure thek balanced even operation of the reamer. The cutters illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings operate in substantially the same manner as the cutters l2. The cutters of the present invention are simple and easy. to manufacture and are dependably mounted or supported on the body of the tool. The pins Il maybe readily removed from the body to permit the replacement of the cutters.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention I do not wish to be limited o-r restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve tomyself any variatio-ns or modications that may appear to i those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A cutter for a well reamer comprising a body adapted for rotation as a unit about its longitudinal axis, and a longitudinally extending cutting tooth on the body having portions pitched in opposite directions, said tooth portions extendingin a direction generallyaxial of the body and being shorter than the circumferencev of rthev 2. A @cutter `for `a well 'reamer comprising a body to be supported for rotation as a unit, and an axially extending'A cutting tooth on the body having portionspitchedv relative to the plane of the axis ofv rotation of the-body, saidportions being pitched in opposite'directions, and` having lengths less than the circumference of the body.

3. A cutter for a well reamer comprising a sin` gleibody to be supportedforlindependent rotation, and a plurality of circumferentally spaced cutting parts extending longitudinally on the body and having portions spiralled in opposite directions.

4. A cutter for a well reamer comprising a body to, be supported for independent rotation as a unit, and a plurality of spaced axially extending cutting parts on the body extending between the opposite end parts of the body and having alternate portions spiralled in opposite directions.

5. A cutter for a well reamer comprising a body to be supported for idependent rotation as one member, and a plurality of spaced substantially parallel axially extending cutting parts on the body having an even number greater than two of alternate portions pitched inopposite directions.

6. In a well reamer, a support, and a cutter comprising a body arranged for independent rotation on vthe support as a unit, and a series of circumferentally spaced cutting parts extending longitudinally on the body and having portions pitched in opposite directions.

'7. In a well reamer, a support, and a cutter comprising a body arranged for independent rotation on the support as a unit, and circumferentally spaced axially extending cutting teeth projecting from the body and having portions pitched in opposite directions.

8. In a well reamer, a substantially vertical support, and a cutter comprising a body rotatable on the support as a unit, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending teeth on the body having portions pitched in opposite clirections, said teeth being substantially parallel.

9. In a well reamer, a support, and a cutter comprising a body rotatable on the support as a single element, a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced axially extending cutting parts on the body having separated portions spiralled in opposite directions, and teeth between the separated portions of the cutting parts.

10. A well reamer including a body, on the body, and a cutter comprising a body rotatable on the support as a unit, and a plurality of circumferentally spaced cutting parts on the cutter body adapted to project from the reamer body to contact the wall of the well and each having portions spiralled in opposite directions.

11. A well reamer including a body having a recess, and polygonal openings communicating with the opposite ends of the recess, a removable pin having polygonal end portions tting said openings, the pin passing through the recess, a cutter rotatable on the pin, and removable means holding the pin against longitudinal displacement.

l2. A well reamer including a body, `a plurality of circumferentally spaced supports on the body, pins carried by the supports, and a cutter rotatable on each pin as a complete cutting unit, the cutters each including a series of circumferena support tially spaced cutting parts having portions spiralled in opposite directions.

13. A Well rearner including a body, a plurality of circumferentially spaced pairs of vertically spaced supports on the body, a pin extending between and carried by the supports of each of said pairs, and a cutter rotatable as a unit; on each pin, the cutters each including a series of circumferentially spaced axially extending cutting parts each having alternate portions spiralled in opposite directions.

14. A Well reamer including a body, a plurality of circumferentially spaced pairs of vertically spaced supports on the body, a pin extending between and carried by the supports of each of said pairs, and a cutter rotatable as a single member on each pin, the cutters each including a series of circumferentially spaced axially extending cutting parts each having alternate portions spiralled in opposite directions, the spiralled portions of the cutting parts of the cutters lying in common horizontal zones being pitched in oppo- 10 site directions.

FRANK ELLINGSEN. 

